"Roughly 150 zoos are collaborating with under 2,000 snow leopards in captivity," Contento said, "So there is a very serious effort to not only keep their animals in their wild habitat, but also maintain the genetic diversity and breed them in captivity too."

The two, Ace and Kushar, are being kept separate while each gets used to their new home.

It will take a few years before keepers know if the pair will be compatible for breeding.

The zoo said adding the pair is all part of its 're-ZOO-venation' and visitors can expect continued changes throughout the summer season.